“All at once vs. Piecemeal: How shall we deliver training?”
Help me answer a question, Dear Reader…
What is your formula for choosing a timeline to roll out a new training initiative?
- Should all modules be delivered/presented in one fell swoop?
- Should we roll out training components on a basic-intermediate-advanced continuum?
Too often we gauge our training delivery timelines on business needs, meaning, “We need this training now, and I mean business!” But how often do we carefully plan the rollout of a new course or set of learning materials based on instructional design principles of graduated introduction?
Many learning experts would agree that rolling out training over time usually is optimal, and allows learners to integrate, apply, and assimilate new information more readily than by “cramming.” However, I wonder if a training series can be rolled out effectively in a short period of time if proper measures are taken.
Share your thoughts!
Below are a few references that may be useful:
- How Information overload can ruin a training experience and reduce training effectiveness:
- Kirkpatrick, D. L. (comp.) (1998.) Another Look at Evaluating Training Programs, ASTD, Alexandria, USA.
- Article about avoiding “information overload” in adult learning: http://trainingpd.suite101.com/article.cfm/socializing__content_and_coaching
- Article that reviews the merits of “intensive teaching formats”: http://www.iier.org.au/iier16/davies.html
- Learning Information Management journal article on Learning in a world with too much Information: http://journals.cambridge.org/download.php?file=%2FLIM%2FLIM8_01%2FS147266960800008Xa.pdf&code=5ec224c3816e3f5cd36eebf438633b36
Thanks,
Susan Hendrich
Susan E. Hendrich 